It’s time to frock up

THE Geelong community will come together for the annual Cure Cystic Fibrosis Gala Ball as it returns to GMHBA Stadium next Saturday (July 27).

Organised by Cystic Fibrosis Geelong, the event raises much-needed funds for the disease.

Cystic fibrosis is a disease people are born with, making mucus in the body become thick and sticky, causing buildup in the lungs and leading to repeated lung infections.

Traditionally, all funds raised from the ball have gone towards research, but this year the charity is also hoping to raise enough for a grant through the Victorian Cystic Fibrosis Association.

The grant would support people with more affordable access to mental health services for people with the disease.

Cystic Fibrosis Geelong committee chair Leann Tremul said the committee was 100 per cent volunteers and every cent raised would go directly to the cause.

“We try to keep it cure focused, but we know there is so much different research that needs to be done for cystic fibrosis,” she said.

“It’s a multi-organ disease so a lot of research is directed towards the lungs but there’s a myriad of other problems they have as well.”

Through the annual gala ball, Cystic Fibrosis Geelong has raised close to $500,000, including $129,000 last year.

“The Geelong businesses have come through; our community is so generous, it blows me away just how amazing the Geelong community is, not just for our small charity, but there’s so many small charities in Geelong that get so much,” Ms Tremul said.

Jan Juc’s Ellie-May Jury will be the guest speaker at this year’s event, sharing her story and journey of living with the disease.

More than 450 tickets have been sold for the event, with proceeds from live and silent auctions adding to the fundraising tally.

All prizes have been donated including this year’s major prize, a $6000 sapphire trilogy ring from Duffs Jewellers.

Ms Tremul said it was always a really fun evening with live music, dancing and a three-course meal from Higher Mark.

“It’s the middle of winter and there’s not much happening, so it’s a really good opportunity for people to dress up and get out of their houses and have a good night,” she said.

For more information, head to geelongcysticfibrosis.com